An article to which a visual code is attached, wherein the visual code includes: a frame pattern which is formed in the shape of a polygonal or round ring by arranging multiple pattern elements; a symbol pattern placing area which is formed inside the frame pattern, and in which a symbol pattern can be placed; an internal information pattern which is formed as a part of the frame pattern and indicates the presence or the absence of the symbol pattern in the symbol pattern placing area; and a guide pattern which is placed on, inside or near the frame pattern, and is used for a visual code reading apparatus having an optical reading function to recognize a positional relationship between the frame pattern and the visual code reading apparatus.